Victoria County officials to vote on dog, business ordinances

By
Melissa Crowe
July 28, 2012 at 2:28 a.m.Updated July 29, 2012 at 2:29 a.m.

Two ordinances that restrict sexually-oriented businesses and set guidelines for dangerous dog ownership are up for a vote by Victoria County commissioners.

Both ordinances affect only unincorporated areas of the county. Commissioners will vote Monday morning during their weekly meeting.

The business ordinance would require those with sexually-oriented designations to obtain a $500 annual operating license. It also limits the location and hours of operation.

The ordinance separates businesses into three categories that determine its location to "sensitive use areas:" Class 1 offers sexually oriented media or novelty stores; Class 2 includes cabarets, modeling studio or theater; and Class 3 includes sexually oriented motels and theaters or arcades.

One key to the ordinance is how much space products can take in a store. If a business sells adult magazines or movies that occupy between 10 and 40 percent of the store space - not sales - then it must be separated from customers who are younger than 18. If more than 40 percent of store space is taken by those items, it qualifies as a sexually oriented business.

The dangerous dog ordinance defines what makes a dog dangerous, regardless of breed. Any dog designated as "dangerous," must adhere to strict requirements.

Owners must make their dog wear a red, county-issued "dangerous dog" collar tag; keep their animal confined in a 6-foot-tall, locked fenced area clearly marked as containing a dangerous dog; restrained on a leash and muzzle when it is not in its fence; have a microchip implanted and insured for at least $100,000.

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WHAT: Public comment on dangerous dog and sexually oriented business ordinances